One of the many good things about my trip around German/Dutch/Belgian zoos last week was hearing so few English speaking visitors; I only remember overhearing 2 definite British groups. This generally meant I didn't pick up the usual comments that I hear repeated around UK zoos, although I'm sure they were present. I also managed to avoid people wanting to talk about cameras and lenses, although there were plenty of gestures expressing interest/humour/dejection in the little guy with the große Kamera!
While in the Duisburg Dolphinarium, a huge man barked something at me, to which I replied with my well practiced "sorry, I'm a stupid Englishman." He laughed and then asked in very good English if I could take a photo of him with his boy, on my camera. Luckily, his lad was not interested and walked away, so I didn't have to explain to the big man that the lens I had mounted wasn't suitable for such a shot. He then asked what paper I was reporting for. I explained that I was just a sad hobbyist, but I could have posted his photo on Duisburg's facebook, but he laughed exclaiming "no facebook! I am wanted by the Police!" He then parted with good wishes for my visit and the comment "your only problem, is you are English!" Lol! Lovely fella.